June 27, 2025: According to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday, the number of registrations for the Amarnath Yatra have decreased by 10.19 percent since the terror attack in Pahalgam. Sinha, however, added that the number of registration was increasing now.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the L-G assured pilgrims that complete security arrangements had been made for the yatra, which begins from July 3.
He said last year, the Amarnath Yatra had witnessed the highest number of pilgrims in 12 years. Even this year, prior to the attack on April 22, a significant number of devotees were signing up. The unfortunate event resulted in a slight drop in registrations. In comparison to last year, registrations have reduced by 35,000-40,000 (10.19 percent). However, the rate is currently increasing, he stated. As many as 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered before the Pahalgam attack. These individuals were asked to confirm their participation in the yatra, and so far, over 85,000 people have done so. The L-G highlighted that facilities for the pilgrims had increased over the last few years. “The road used to be four to five feet wide and there were many vulnerable spots. In the last two to three years, the road has been made 12-feet wide,” he said.
Sinha refused to answer questions about terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam attack and were yet to be eliminated. However, he assured pilgrims that all security arrangements have been made for the yatra.
He said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and Central Armed Police Forces together, have done a very good job. Several meetings of officials from the Raj Bhavan to the Home Ministry have been held to ensure a safe yatra.
“Whether it is area domination, number of mountain rescue teams, three-tier security in the base camp or deployment, more police officers as well as CAPF personnel have been deployed than the previous years,” he said.
Sinha urged the devotees to come along with the convoy so that they could reach safely and comfortably.
In a question on the impact of the April 22 attack, Sinha said he was hopeful that the tourists’ confidence would increase after the success of the Amarnath Yatra. It would boost tourism, business and local economy, he added.